I dont have access to the previous owner of the ipad and I am stuck on the activation lock screen. Is there any way around this?

There is not. The activation lock is meant to be a theft deterrent system so there is no user work around

Without the Apple ID used to set up the device it’s worthless

Turn off Activation Lock - Apple Support

The only thing folks can do is responsibly recycle it

You clearly have a previously owned device that was not correctly prepared prior to your acquisition of the device. This process, to correctly erase and remove the Activation Lock wasn’t followed:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201351

Here is some information from Apple concerning Activation Lock - and how to disable it:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201441

Long story short - for you to be able to be able to reuse the device that is Activation Locked, if the AppleID to which the lock relates is not in your control, you must secure the cooperation of the owner of the AppleID account to which the device is associated. If you’re unable to do so, the lock can neither be disabled or bypassed. Unless you have the original purchase invoice, showing the device serial number, Apple will not assist.

If this is the situation in which you find yourself, nobody here can help you; you’ll not be able to reactivate or use the device. As such, responsible recycling is the only future for your iPad.

Sorry, this is clearly not what you were hoping to learn. Whist obviously disappointing, I hope this information is of some help - if only in providing clear explanation as to your situation.